smack, pop,
squelch, crack,
pop, pop, snuffle,
smack!
could the old man
chew his gum
any louder?
and then,
the old woman
in the wheelchair
starts signing
to him —
he laughs
in recognition
and his fingers fly,
hands wave;
a smile lights up
his face.
with words
half-formed,
the chewing
stops.
